It is with exceptional pleasure that I invite the young singers of Australia to explore the wonderful choral opportunities available through Gondwana National Choirs in 2022.
I have heard from so many of you that you have missed singing and simply being with likeminded friends from across Australia. You are going to love what we have on offer in 2022. GV Classic is the chance for all those ambitious treble singers to explore the best of treble repertoire. Many of you, I’m sure, will relish the opportunity to join Marliya, and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in a symphonic re-imagining of Felix Riebl’s acclaimed Spinifex Gum. For the young adults, there is a chance to make great friends and great music when the New Zealand Youth Choir and Gondwana Chorale join forces to sing Carmina Burana. And who could resist being one of many voices to fill the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in the return of Voices of Angels. Can’t wait to hear you all. Yes we are back, singing TOGETHER!
Lyn Williams AM
Artistic Director and Founder
Season 1: GV Classic
Gondwana Voices is known around the world for pushing musical boundaries. This ensemble excels in music that is challenging, moving and exhilarating, with a pioneering reputation for Australian music. In GV Classic, the choir performs at The Edge in the heart of Melbourne under the direction of Mark O’Leary OAM and Sam Allchurch. With music from around the world and many Gondwana Voices favourites, this program will put the glories of the treble choir repertoire front and centre.
Dates: Sunday 26 June – Monday 4 July 2022
Performance: Sunday 3 July 2022, The Edge, Melbourne
Ages: 12-17 yrs, treble voices
Cost: Residential: $1075 Non-residential: $540
Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash
Season 2: GV Plus – Spinnefex Gum with the MSO
Spinifex Gum has been described as an unforgettable experience. In 2022, this iconic festival show will be reimagined in a symphonic version with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lyn Williams AM. The extended age-range GV Plus will join Marliya, Felix Riebl and Emma Donovan in a performance which is part political and part aspirational, exploring hard-hitting issues of our time, themes of friendship and empowerment, and celebrating what can be achieved when we come together as one.
Seasons 1 and 2 Choristers who participate in both Gondwana Voices Seasons
(Seasons 1 and 2) will be eligible for a discounted combined fee
of $1950 (residential), $980 (non-residential).
Dates: Sunday 3 July – Sunday 10 July 2022
Performances: Saturday 9 July 2022, Hamer Hall, Melbourne
Ages: 12-21 yrs, treble voices
Cost: Residential: $1075 Non-residential: $540
Image credit David Simonds
Season 3: Carmina Burana
Dramatic, explosive, irreverent – Carmina Burana has it all. Prepared by Paul
Holley OAM, Gondwana Chorale will join the New Zealand Youth Choir to
present Carl Orff’s choral masterwork as part of Festival of Voices in Hobart.
The performance will take place in the beautiful Federation Concert Hall with
acclaimed Australian conductor Benjamin Northey. As well as singing this
iconic choral work, this season is a chance to create new trans-Tasman choral
connections and friendships.
Dates: Tuesday 28 June – Friday 8 July 2022
Performance: Thursday 7 July 2022, Federation Concert Hall, Hobart
Ages: 18-25 yrs, all voice parts
Cost: Residential: $1250 Non-residential: $490
Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash
Season 4: Voices of Angels from the Opera House
Voices of Angels returns in 2022 bigger and better than ever at the spectacular Sydney Opera House. The sounds of hundreds of fine voices will resound under the sails, in a concert of pure joy! Under the direction of Lyn Williams AM, choristers from all across Australia will join the Sydney Children’s Choir, the Voices of Angels orchestra and the grand organ to celebrate the festive season.
Dates: Thursday 8 December – Thursday 15 December 2022
Performance: Wednesday 14 December 2022, Sydney Opera House
Ages: 10-25 yrs, all voice types. Choristers will sing in an ensemble best suited to their age and ability.
Cost: $250
Choristers will need to arrange their own accommodation for this season.
Most rehearsals will be held at Wharf 4/5 Hickson Rd, Dawes Point.
Photo by Kewal on Unsplash
Notes
Choristers ideally fall within the specified age range for the full duration of the relevant season. Please contact us for further information should you not fall within the specified age range for a season you wish to participate in.
Timeline
Applications open Wednesday 15 December 2021
Applications close Monday 7 February 2022, 5pm AEDT (including bursary applications)
Auditions Monday 28 February – Sunday 13 March 2022
Notifications Thursday 14 April 2022
Confirmation of participation Monday 2 May 2022
Auditions
For our 2022 projects, auditions will be in two parts.
Part 1: You will need to submit a video recording of you singing a piece of your choice, which demonstrates your voice and musicianship. The piece should last no longer than 5 minutes and may or may not have accompaniment. Applicants will be given clear guidelines for the creation and submission of their video.
Part 2: Applicants will attend a live, online audition via Zoom. This audition will cover a range of aural and sight singing skills. Example audition material will be made available before auditions commence. You will be allocated an audition time and due to the number of applications, it may not be possible to change this time.
Cost: There is a $50 audition fee payable upon submission of your application.
Bursaries
There are a limited number of means-tested bursaries available for participants in our Gondwana National Choirs 2022 program. Please indicate on your application form if you would like to receive further information and the bursary application form.
Online Rehearsals
Prior to each season, we will hold a number of online rehearsals via Zoom to introduce choristers to the repertoire. These will be held on weekends with more information available in early 2022.
Contact Info
If you have any questions, please get in touch at National@gondwana.org.au.
